Barking is instinctual behavior for dogs, and many dog breeds were developed to bark as a means of communication with their masters. Hounds and beagles “bay” when they’ve spotted the hunter’s target. Guard dog breeds, including German shepherds and rottweilers, bark to notify their owners when someone’s approaching. Some breeds are just more vocal than others and like to hear themselves "talk."

Companion dogs bark to communicate to their owners that they’re hungry, that they need to go out, that there is a strange animal in the yard or passers-by on the sidewalk. They may bark at strange noises they can hear but we can’t, like a door slamming down the block. Dogs may bark because they're bored or lonely.

Owners often unintentionally reinforce barking behavior in their dogs by shouting at them to "Shut up!" Your dog just thinks you’re barking along with him. Dogs who simply bark because they’re bored and want to play can be especially persistent, and are rewarded by your attention when you become annoyed enough to respond.http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/dogs/tips/how_to_stop_barking.html

Dogs who bark excessively can create disharmony in the family and annoy the neighbors as well. This how-to guide will help you understand why your dog makes so much noise, and what you can do to reduce his excessive barking. Read on to learn how to train a dog not to bark.

When you yell at your dog to be quiet, you’re only reinforcing his poor behavior. Your dog has learned that he can get your attention with his insistent barking, or that he can demand that you play with him. As the owner, you should be the one calling the shots and deciding when you want to give your dog attention or play games with him!

The method of retraining dogs who bark for attention is to ignore the behavior. By yelling at your dog to “shut up!” or playing with him whenever he insists, you’re rewarding your dog’s poor behavior and losing your dog's respect as his pack leader.

When your dog is barking simply to gain attention, you must ignore him. It may become a test of wills between the dog and yourself, but you can win when you are determined and consistent. You mustn’t react to your dog in any way that might give him attention: Don’t say anything, not even “no;” avoid making eye contact; turn away and use your body language to help get the message across that you don’t want to be bothered right now. If he jumps on you, gently rebuff him with an elbow or knee; if you push him away with your hands he’ll think you’re playing.

Using negative consequences to train your dog not to bark isn’t going against the principles of positive reinforcement when you use humane methods. One should never strike a dog or use physical punishment, but when your dog learns to associate his attention barking with negative results he’ll learn not to bark, or at least not so much!

When your dog is resistant to your efforts to teach him a “quiet” command you may have add some mild negative consequences to your training method. Distract your dog from his barking behavior by rattling an empty soda can with a few pennies inside. You want the dog to associate the noise with his barking, not with you, so you may need to get a helper to distract the dog while you give the command for quiet. Gently praise your dog when he stops barking and remains quiet.http://www.thehowtotrainadog.com/How_To_Train_A_Dog_Not_To_B.html

When your dog is barking merely because he wants attention, or the food on your dinner plate, you may have to remove him from the company of his family by placing him in another room or tethering him outside. When his mission is thwarted, he’ll soon learn that barking for attention only gets him banished from the social activity in the house. Once he remains quiet for a few minutes, reward him by bringing him back in, but be prepared to banish him again right away if need be.http://www.thehowtotrainadog.com/How_To_Train_A_Dog_Not_To_B.html

Teaching your dog not to bark for attention can take a while, but you must never give in or your dog will learn to bark louder and longer!

Dogs who spend much of the day alone have a lot of pent-up energy that often manifests itself in excessive barking and destructive behavior. Well-exercised dogs are more content indoors, and are less likely to have such behavioral problems. Spending a few minutes each day playing with your dog and taking him on a long daily walk can give him the mental stimulation and physical exercise he needs.

Include your dog in family activities whenever possible; he is part of the family, after all! When you have leave your dog alone for a while, leave him some dog toys to play with that are interesting and challenging. Puzzle balls that hold kibble or smaller toys inside are fun for dogs and can keep them entertained for a while as well as giving them some necessary exercise.

Some dogs, especially working dog breeds, are happiest with a "job" to do. If your dog isn't used for herding or as a general farm dog, consider participating in dog activities with him. Frisbee and flyball competitions, obedience training, tracking, hunting, and agililty are all good options, and enjoying these activities with your dog will create a stronger bond between you. These physically and mentally challenging activities will use up your dog's extra energy so that he will be more content and less inclined to bark out of boredom and a need for attention.

There are times when you’ll want your dog to bark, so your motive isn’t to keep him from barking at all, but to use some discretion. Most dog owners expect their dogs to bark when strangers are coming up the front walk, but well-mannered watch dogs should be quiet once the owner has responded to the warning bark.

When your dog is barking for an appropriate reason but doesn’t stop, you need to teach him to be quiet on command. With young and submissive dogs, the best method is to gently hold the dog’s muzzle shut to stop his barking, and then give him a command for “quiet.” The word or phrase you use doesn’t matter as much as that you use the same words consistently. Praise your dog when he remains quiet after you release his muzzle.

Dogs who are large or aggressive may not appreciate having their muzzles held shut, so you may need to enlist a friend to help you teach your dog not to bark excessively at the door. Have your friend knock on the door, but don’t open the door as long as the dog is barking. You may have to distract him from his barking with a treat, or by jingling a can with a few pennies in it. When he's quiet, give him the quiet command and praise him.

Once he’s quiet, open the door and let your friend come in. Your dog must learn that the door doesn’t open as long as he’s barking. If your dog doesn’t “get it” right away, repeat the training in several short, consistent sessions. Remember to give your dog gentle praise when he behaves well!